365 Days Ago

 March 13, 2020 was a Friday. Concord High had a baseball game, softball game and a women's soccer game; all at home. The weather was perfect for a spring evening in North Carolina. The crowds were larger than usual. And we had just been told we were all going home for two weeks. COVID had made its way to the US and Mecklenburg County, right next door. 

The JV boys played and no one went home. Everyone stayed to watch the Varsity play. While most kids do stay it was a Friday. There could have been plans, dates or get-togethers. But there were not. Everyone stayed to enjoy the weather and friends. 

The games ended and no one went home. The baseball coach talked to the crowd about his team and how much he enjoyed them. The seniors cried, would they get to play together again? High school seniors in white uniforms, dirty from sliding into bases, with their arms around each other like a chorus line simply holding on as long as they could. 

My son plays baseball so I know what happened on that field. I am sure there were other fields with similar stories. 

The last year has been hard. We have learned to roll with what comes at us. Some kids have flourished, some have suffered. I have both at my house. But that happens in life and we have to learn to roll with it, pick ourselves up and become better people. 

I have learned to hold my friends closer. I have learned that everyone is struggling. I have learned to show grace and kindness because this could be harder on someone than it has been on me. I have learned to do the best you can with what you have. I have learned to go outside just for the sake of breathing fresh air. I have learned to enjoy every game because it could the last. I have learned to walk instead of run.  

Thank you for the lessons, now it is time for COVID to move on. Get your shot, wear your mask, get up and move, enjoy your life.